Nick Bosa Will Return for Week 6 Matchup
The star defensive end plans to rejoin the 49ers defense for the upcoming contest against Washington.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Football
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Nick Bosa is scheduled to return to the field for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6 of the 2026 season against Washington. The defensive end has been sidelined since sustaining a calf injury during a practice walkthrough in Week 3.
Why it matters
Bosa serves as a cornerstone of the 49ers defense, and his presence is critical for a team looking to stabilize its roster following several injury setbacks. His return provides a significant boost to the pass rush, an element the team has struggled to maintain in his absence.
Bosa signed a five-year, $170 million contract extension with $122.5 million guaranteed and a $50 million signing bonus. His 2026 cap hit is set at $22.99 million after the team converted $21.46 million of salary into bonus money.
The players
Nick Bosa
He is an elite defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers who was drafted second overall out of Ohio State in 2019.
San Francisco 49ers
This is a professional American football team competing in the National Football League based in Santa Clara.
The details
After missing the majority of the 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, Bosa now eyes a recovery from the calf injury that limited his play during the current campaign. The organization previously restructured his contract to create essential cap space for the team.
Timeline
2019: Bosa was drafted second overall by the 49ers.
September 8, 2023: Bosa signed his five-year contract extension.
2025 campaign: Bosa played three games before his ACL injury.
Week 3 2026: Bosa suffered a calf injury.
Week 6 2026: Targeted return for the game against Washington.
Season Trajectory
Bosa's return significantly shifts the defensive capability for the 49ers as they push toward the mid-season playoff race. His availability stabilizes the pass rush rotation and provides a crucial performance anchor following his limited participation in the 2025 campaign.
The return of Bosa to the active roster significantly improves the pass rush efficiency for the 49ers defensive front. His presence on the field will allow the defensive coordinator to return to standard rotation schemes instead of relying on depth players for primary pressure.
The takeaway
Bosa remains one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL with career earnings projected to reach $222 million. His ability to stay on the field remains the most important factor in the financial and competitive success of the 49ers throughout his current contract.
Further reading
For more news on the roster, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NDTVSports.
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